Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Not bad but not great either - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By gdiazj - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I like the Expi but in 12K miles I dont love it. In the 18 months weve owned it (lease turn-in), the switch that controls the turn signals and BRAKE LIGHTS has broken, the "brake" warning light and the "check engine" light have both come on. Plus one of the rear windows severely bends weather stripping when you roll it up. The shop couldnt tell me why the brake light came on and Ill have to go to the dealer ($$$) for the and the check engine light as it gave the local auto parts sensor reader conflicting messages. I have the 17" wheels and 4x4 options which may make the vehicle too tall for city folks with a baby like us.

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  Family Van + Dog - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By LJN - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Our van just goes and goes. It has great interior room for kids, dog and luggage. We have traveled accross country several times. Regular maintenance keeps everything running, warning lights actually do mean something. This has also been a great car to teach teenagers to drive. Safe!

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  Sorry in Seattle - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By May - July 22 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the vehicle for 9 months and it has been in the shop 7 times. Suspension problems (A mysterious clunking noise in the front suspension that the dealership cannot seem to hear or find) have plagued us from the beginning. In addition, a wheel bearing and front strut has failed, we have experienced a broken parking brake handle, and now for the grand finale - transmission problems at 14,000 miles. This is by far the poorest new vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By supreme2005 - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Crown Victoria two years ago and I now have just under 50k on it. I havent had a single problem with it during its entire lifetime. It hasnt been in the shop except for regular oil changes. I feel extremely safe in this car; its very solidly built. I bought this particular car over a similar 2002 Sport model because it had a much firmer ride with better road feel. Its very fast with ample power for freeway merging.

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  Its a good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By tboner - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like this little car. It handles the tough winters up here in the Northeast. Starts everyday, handles the snow & ice good. Peppy little 4 cylinder, although I wish I had the standard. I am a 5 speed fanatic. I dont find the car uncomfortable at all. A lot of other smaller car will make my bum go to sleep after an hour or two, but not so with this one. My previous car was a 1997 Hyundai Accent, which was a great little car, but the escort has the upper hand over the accent.

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  escape with a ford - 2016 Ford Escape
  By freddie - July 19 - 4:24 pm

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  Redfire Stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Roger Rocket - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the nicest looking small coupes on the market. Enough power with the V6 to satisfy most drivers. Suspensions a bit rough but was to be expected. Gotta go with leather seating surfaces to increase comfort. Great gas mileage. Sound system wont get cranked up beyond level 4, unless you want to lose your hearing. Like the speed/volume adjustment. Limited storage space, but the fold-down rear seats give you more versatility. Cup holders are exactly where you need them and no fancy opening or fold-out functions that complicate matters. Handles real well and small enough to park just about anywhere.

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  Solid Performance - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By galott - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the Windstars interior and the van is great for our 3 kids. The only down side I have found so far is the van could use a bigger engine. Only has 190 hp.

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  Impressive - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By nface - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger in 2000 with just under 27,000 miles on it. So far we havent had many problems with it. The door ajar sensor on the drivers side had to be replaced but that was due to poor installment of an aftermarket alarm. When I got it, it had the wrong taillights on it (i should have inspected it more throughly) and the turn signals werent even hooked up! So I immediately returned it and they replaced them right away. Had to replace the serpentine belt at 30,000 miles which seems a tad early. I used it to haul my Harley to Connecticut and back and it ran flawless. Thumbs up!

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  Great Car! No problems, hassle free. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By McGill - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Serviced regularly, first issue was breaks started sqeaking (60k miles). Breaks were checked regularly & the mechanics were surprised that they were the original, 1st replace needed at 60K. Only problem was after I going over a "v" shaped driveway (v at the point road & driveway met), Heavier person in passenger seat & it hit caused a small leak in the radiator seam. Gets 30-35 in town, when not running the A/C and 40 on road trips. Bought a new car & now found a good deal on a Aero so hubby trying to talk me into selling it. Well see, Ive grown attached to it & the dependability.